Wells' situation is quite unusual, even considering it in the context of a nationwide rash of transfers (plenty of whom received waivers to play without sitting out a year, per the transfer requirements).

But Wells didn't transfer to get closer to a sick relative or because of a coaching change or anything like that. He was dismissed by Xavier after his freshman season after violating the code of student conduct. A grand jury heard allegations of sexual assault against Wells and declined to charge him. The Hamilton County (Ohio) prosecutor also released a statement encouraging Xavier to revisit the situation and consider re-instating Wells in school. Xavier did not.

Wells then transferred to Maryland. He has been practicing with the team and was a part of Maryland Madness, the team's season kickoff event.

The school is hoping its appeal will allow Wells to play this season instead of sitting out a year. He's coming off a strong freshman campaign at Xavier, and he'd immediately become one of the Terps' top players if he's cleared to play this season. He made the Atlantic 10 all-rookie team last season after averaging 9.8 points and 4.9 rebounds per game.